

Manuel Castells: Alternative Economic Cultures
4 snips Oct 15, 2012
In this engaging conversation, Manuel Castells, a prominent sociologist known for his analysis of the network society, joins Paul Mason to discuss the emergence of alternative economic cultures post-2008 crisis. Castells highlights how grassroots movements like Occupy challenge traditional capitalism and promote non-capitalist practices such as bartering and cooperatives. He emphasizes the cultural shifts stemming from growing disillusionment with political systems and critiques consumerism, advocating for deeper human needs beyond materialism.
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Four-Layer Economy
- A four-layer economy has emerged post-crisis.
- It includes a weakened public sector, a concentrated private sector, struggling traditional businesses, and new post-capitalist activities.
Non-Capitalist Practices
- Non-capitalist economic practices are expanding.
- These include bartering, social currencies, cooperatives, self-management, and free service networks.
Drivers of Alternative Economies
- The expansion of alternative economies is driven by both need and values.
- Consumers, unable to consume traditionally, seek meaningful alternatives.